Casper Bangs is the recording project of DC based vocalist and guitarist Rob Pierangeli. Named after the ex-lover that inspired many of the songs, Casper Bangs is a trip through the joys and downers of loving and being loved. The Whitespace 7” and s/t EP are a preview of Casper Bangs’ full-length record, I Woke Up. It was written and performed by Pierangeli at his desktop computer in the midst of relational bliss – it’s a document of a good thing that ultimately goes bad. The songs contain strong unaffected vocals balanced with harmony, layers of noisy guitars, and reverb.
Kurt Vile / Freak Train I love the speed and repetition on this song, the beat, the arpeggiating guitar line, and pulsating bass. And when Vile starts shouting ‘freak train’, it’s somewhere in between Springsteen and Dylan. Make no mistake, these guys bring it live, too.
Anna Rose has always known she would perform and record as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist-pianist who would release an album such as Nomad, her upcoming debut, which she co-produced with William (Billy) Sullivan, five songs from which comprise her sensational current Anna Rose EP. And she has always been a little nuts about guitars. She started playing at age five, after an older cousin brought one along to a holiday family gift exchange.
The Dead Weather / 60 Feet Tall I am obsessed with The Dead Weather right now. They are such a great rock band. So much energy, great musicianship. This song in particular just feels really good in my bones. It has that bluesy heaviness that I love.
Little Birdy’s new album Confetti also has a new single, Hairdo. The melodic gem is accompanied by a mesmerizing video showcasing the band in their most personal and intimate performance to date. Since its release, Confetti has spent a number of weeks at the top end of the charts and has received the strongest reviews of the Australian band’s career.
Midlake / Roscoe This would have to be my favourite song of the decade so far. I loved their debut album, but when I heard this for the first time, it completely blew my mind. I love bands that can sing about random subjects (like being a hermit in the 19th Century) and still evoke such emotion, both musically and lyrically. It gives me tingles every time I hear it.
Breakbeat duo, Evil Nine’s new album, They Live!, is one of the stand out dance releases of the year. Having already received 5 star reviews from the UK press, They Live! is powerful second album after 2005’s, You Can Be Special Too, its gruesome lyrics paying homage to all those misunderstood zombies out there. Automatom selects the first four songs here, Pardytron the second four.
Toto / Africa The epitome of ’smooth’ music, words can’t express how much this song rules! When the synths come in and the drums echo in the night, I’m immediately transported back to my youth. Some people might say this is a guilty pleasure, but I don’t feel no guilt. I just stick it on and bask in their mellow might.
My Secret Playlist is a music discovery website and weekly email publication. We invite our favourite bands and musicians to give us the rundown on their eight favourite songs right now. These are their words on the music that inspires them.
